- What is the CTA Suite?
- What are the different areas within the CTA Suite?
- What is the PC availability within the Suite?
- How to use specific features inside the CTA Suite?
- Accessibility support features
- General CTA Suite Information and FAQs
- Help and Support
What is the CTA Suite?
The CTA Suite is a dedicated creative technology space, where students can access specialist software on high specification PCs, located on the ground floor of the College Lane Learning Resources Centre (LRC).
The suite has been created to complement and work alongside dedicated studio spaces, giving students 24 hours a day access to essential specialist software as specified by Creative Arts programmes.
The CTA Suite in the LRC provides additional access to specialist facilities outside of standard studio opening hours.
- Designed to support the way Creative Arts students learn, create and collaborate, the space offers a flexible environment for developing ideas and working on creative projects.
- Created with student feedback and shaped through contributions from postgraduate design students, the suite features a mix of booths, pods and open workspaces to support both individual and collaborative work.
- To help ensure the suite remains available and effective for everyone, please respect the equipment and shared spaces, complete extended rendering tasks in appropriate studio spaces where possible, and report any faults using the CTA Suite reporting form.
What are the different study spaces within the CTA Suite?
The CTA Suite includes a range of flexible study and creative workspaces to support different ways of learning, working and collaborating.
- Private study pods: For students who need a quieter environment, the suite includes private study pods designed for focused work. These spaces feature noise-reducing panels, adjustable lighting and personal fan controls, allowing you to create a comfortable working environment.
- Collaborative Work Areas: The suite includes dedicated collaborative workspaces where students can work together on projects, share ideas and develop creative work. These areas are equipped with a mix of Mac and PC workstations and are designed to support both informal collaboration and group-based activities. The PC workstations have a mix of dual monitor stations and singluar PC stations.
- Individual Study Spaces: Individual workstations provide a more independent study environment. Each workspace is separated by divider panels to offer additional privacy while still allowing access to the suite's technology and resources.
- Adjustable-Height Desks: A number of adjustable-height desks are available throughout the suite, allowing students to personalise their workspace. These desks can be raised or lowered to suit individual preferences, support standing work, and provide greater accessibility for wheelchair users and those with specific ergonomic requirements.
What is the PC availability within the Suite?
The CTA Suite offers a variety of workstations to support different study and creative needs.
Please note: you cannot pre book any PCs or study areas. The room operates on a first come, first served basis.
If the CTA Suite is at full capacity:
Small reminder: You can access specialist software from your personal desktop remotely. There are also 8 CTA software PCs available on the 2nd Floor in the De Havilland LRC.
Available equipment includes:
- 36 standard PC workstations
- 15 Mac PCs
- 5 dual-monitor workstations
- 4 jumbo-screen workstations
- Wacom tablets - all PCs, excluding Macs
Workstations are available throughout the suite within both collaborative and individual study areas, giving students flexibility in how and where they work. Dual-monitor and jumbo-screen setups are ideal for tasks that benefit from additional screen space, such as design work, video editing and multitasking.
How to use specific features inside the CTA Suite?
Adjustable-height desks:
The CTA Suite includes adjustable-height desks that can be customised to suit your preferred working position.
To adjust a desk:
- Use the numbered preset buttons to select one of the saved height settings. (These will be generic settings)
- To manually adjust the desk, press and hold the up or down arrow buttons. Release the button when the desk reaches a comfortable height.
- The desks can be used while seated or standing, allowing you to switch positions throughout the day.
- Adjustable-height desks can also be lowered or raised to support different accessibility requirements, including wheelchair users and those who require a more ergonomic workspace.
Study pod lighting controls:
Each study pod includes adjustable lighting, allowing you to create a study environment that suits your needs.
To adjust the lighting:
- Locate the control labelled Light on the wall inside the pod.
- Turn the dial clockwise or anti-clockwise to increase or decrease the brightness.
- Adjust the lighting until it reaches a comfortable level for your work.
Study pod fan controls:
Each study pod also includes an adjustable fan to help keep the space comfortable while you study.
To adjust the fan:
- Locate the control labelled Fan on the wall inside the pod.
- Turn the dial clockwise or anti-clockwise to increase or decrease the fan speed.
- Adjust the airflow to your preferred setting.
Tip: The lighting and fan controls are located next to each other on the wall within each study pod and are clearly labelled for easy use.
Accessibility support features:
The CTA Suite has been designed to provide a comfortable and inclusive environment for all students.
Students can choose from a range of workspaces depending on their preferences and requirements, including:
- Adjustable-height desks - The suite includes 6 adjustable-height desks that can be raised or lowered to suit individual preferences and requirements. These desks can be used while seated or standing and can be adjusted to provide a more accessible workspace for wheelchair users and students with specific needs.
- Private study pods for focused work - The private study pods include: Adjustable lighting controls and adjustable fan controls - These features allow students to personalise their workspace and create an environment that is comfortable for them.
- Individual workstations with divider panels for additional privacy
- Open collaborative areas for group work and discussion
- Flexible workstation options: The suite provides access to a range of workstation types allowing students to select the equipment that best supports their way of working and learning.
Need additional support?
If you require further accessibility support while using the CTA Suite, please visit the accessibility support page.
General CTA Suite Information and FAQs
Who can use the CTA Suite?
The CTA Suite is open to all students and provides access to a range of technology, study spaces and collaborative work areas. Whether you're working on coursework, creative projects or independent study, you're welcome to use the facilities available within the suite.
What should I do if equipment is not working?
If you experience an issue with a PC, screen, study pod or any other equipment within the CTA Suite - there are QR codes next to the PCs, which redirect you to our new PC reporting system, which you can use to report any issues on. For any other issues, please report it to the Welcome Desk LRC Staff or Helpdesk. Providing as much detail as possible, including the location of the equipment and the nature of the issue, will help the team investigate and resolve the problem more quickly.
Can I use headphones in the CTA Suite?
Yes. Students are encouraged to use headphones when listening to audio to help maintain a comfortable study environment for everyone.
Is the CTA Suite accessible?
Yes. The suite includes adjustable-height desks that can be adapted to individual requirements, including use by wheelchair users and those who require a more ergonomic workspace.
Can I save my work on CTA Suite computers?
Students should save their work regularly and store files on OneDrive or another approved storage location, as files saved locally may not be available in future sessions.
Please be considerate of others
To help maintain a welcoming and productive environment:
- Food is not permitted within the CTA Suite.
- Use headphones when listening to audio.
- Keep noise to a reasonable level.
- Leave study spaces tidy after use.
- Treat all equipment and facilities with care.
- Be respectful of others working within the space.
Help and Support:
Our LRCs have 24/7 security available for immediate help or support.
For any other help and support please contact the Helpdesk: